Make a Default Custom Footer in Excel

We show you how to customize your default workbook template to add specialized selections to the header and footer lists.

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How do I get a custom header or footer into Microsoft Excel's header and footer drop-down lists? I use the same custom footer on 80 percent of my Excel spreadsheets, and of course, it is not among the standard choices. I have to enter it manually each time. Can you help?

Bob Lewis

You can get your footer to become a default by adding the desired footer to the default workbook template. In Excel 2002, the default template is typically found in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\XLStart (for other versions, look up template in the Help system). Open the file Book.xlt if it is present in that folder. If not, create a new file, select Save As from the File menu, choose Templates (*.xlt) from the Save as type list, and save your new blank file as Book.xlt.

One way or the other, you now have Book.xlt open for editing. Create your standard custom footer, save the template, and close it. Book.xlt is the default template for new workbooks, so each time you create a new workbook your custom footer will be selected by default. For the other 20 percent of your spreadsheets, simply choose a different footer or none at all.

Neil Rubenking served as vice president and president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years when the IBM PC was brand new. He was present at the formation of the Association of Shareware Professionals, and served on its board of directors. In 1986, PC Magazine brought Neil on board to handle the torrent of Turbo Pascal tips submitted by readers. By 1990, he had become PC Magazine's technical editor, and a coast-to-coast telecommuter. His "User to User" column supplied readers with tips...
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